Sure, it’s not really that bad as midlife crises go. I mean, yes, when I hit midlife I did switch jobs three times and got divorced, but that’s more the result of a constant and chronic whole-life crisis, not one of the midlife variety. No, my midlife crisis was automotive. My vehicular partners have all been Japanese and reliable and, literally, colorless (silver, beige, white, black, gray). I had owned my 2003 Mazda Protégé 5 for 10 long years. It was a fun, zippy, practical, economical car that could really do anything. But at 37 something snapped and I decided I needed more elegance, more power, more refinement. Enter the A4. Read More…

For some people the thought of buying a used car can be a harrowing ordeal. There are dishonest owners, unscrupulous dealers and cars that have been trashed or abused their entire lives. Larry Kosilla’s DRIVE CLEAN recently debuted its second season on Youtube’s /DRIVE Network, and the first episode deals with exactly this. Kosilla goes through a step-by-step process in regards to not only what you should look for, but how you should get a used car checked out (pre-purchase inspection – PPI) before you actually purchase it.

This is going to be one of the most helpful videos ever posted and something I know you guys will enjoy.

If you’re an avid surfer of automotive content on the internet and you haven’t yet heard of BringATrailer.com, well then, this is your lucky day. Since 2007 these guys have been showcasing some of the best vintage cars for sale on the web. The key is that they do so in a manner that combines well written descriptions, style and photography so that in a sense you’re reading an article, not just looking at a “For Sale” ad. Click through and check them out!

Let me preface this article by stating that Ford is not paying me to write this. The dealer I talk about in the following words is not paying me to write this, nor is anyone else for that matter. I am writing this article to let everyone know that there are still some automotive dealerships out there that still no how to treat the consumer. In this day and age all we hear about is the BS that goes on during the car buying process and after awhile it gets tiresome. Therefore I figured I post a story about a good, no, make that a GREAT experience that I recently had when I purchased the newest member of my fleet, a 2013 Ford Mustang GT.

For most people the idea of purchasing a new car can be one of the most daunting tasks in all of motoring. We spend months and months researching, test driving and then researching some more to make certain we’re getting the exact make and model we want. We read reviews, look at things like engine and color choices, option packages, and of course the bottom-line price all in the hopes of being fully educated before we make that dreaded trip to the dealership.

Over the years I’ve owned around twenty or so automobiles. Some new, and some well, not so new. Each time I made a purchase though I made sure that my facts were correct and that I was able to beat up the seller in such a way that I’d always ended up getting the deal I wanted. Fast forward to June 29th of this year. I had finally made the decision to get rid of my dearly beloved 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8, a machine that never once did me wrong and one that I will miss forever. However, as with most things in life there comes a time for a change and unfortunately for the Maggie, its time had come.

It feels as though it’s been far too long since we’ve seen Jerry Seinfeld being funny. In fact, ever since “Seinfeld” ended back in 1998, it seems as though America’s favorite comedian has seemingly vanished. Now however it seems Mr. Jerry is back shilling for Acura and their upcoming NSX super car, which is actually quite amazing since he’s so closely associated with Porsche (he owns like 50 of them). Regardless though it’s just nice to see Jerry back in action doing what he does best – making people laugh.

If you’re into motor sports, you’re on a budget, and you can only afford one car, then the odds of you wanting something that can do it all are probably pretty high. This is exactly where I fall and I’ll be honest, it’s a total bitch trying to find the right ride. For instance, say you have a budget of $30K and you’re looking for something with 4 seats, great track manners and overall usability. The choices are unfortunately somewhat limited. Cars like Subaru’s WRX and the Mazda Speed3 kinda’ fit the bill, but at days end they’ll always leave you wanting more and are cramped inside. Then there’s the Ford Mustang GT. A car with gobs of power and a decent suspension, but back seats that will only fit those with no legs. I thought I’d found a solution in my Dodge Magnum SRT8, but while fast and totally usable, it handles like a tugboat on the racetrack. So the question remains, is there truly a do it all automobile?

Concept cars don’t make it to the streets very often; their rarity is their allure. Their charming idiosyncrasy is likened to that beautiful someone you never get a chance to go out with — the possibilities seem endless with an aura of mystery attached. The idea of driving most of these awesome cars will always remain an idea, and nothing can tarnish that.

For now, fasten your seatbelts and drift through the following list of some extremely awesome feature ideas that will probably never see a real road, but they can chase you in your sepia-toned daydreams.

1. Fuel Cell Operation

Our world has seen hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles; but as of this moment, our cars still have a gasoline addiction. Sometimes, an auto show goes above and beyond by showing us what a hydrogen cell car can look like and teasing us with its insanely low operation cost. Imagine no more pain at the pump.

2. Popemobile-style Convertible Rear

Wouldn’t you love to be chauffeured around in a rear section that opens up, so you can catch some rays while you’re driving to the country club or to that important board meeting? Well, maybe (for now) you won’t be able to own it with your current paycheck, but imagination and fantasy is sure free and fun.

3. Wings

The Saab PhoeniX is the latest example in a long line of cars showing everyone what happens when you combine cars and airplanes without trying to be James Bond. Cars with wings, even if they’re small, draw attention as they show off in the best possible way.

4. Flight

The Chase 2053 concept car speaks for everyone’s unspoken desire to own a flying car. Packing jet engines, this is the kind of vehicle you would be happy to have in your driveway, or on your next transatlantic car trip.

5. Indestructibility

The Chase 2053 also happens to be practically indestructible, thanks to its carbon fiber construction and living skin-based exterior. Apparently, KITT was about 70 years ahead of its time. One of the big auto insurance tips for 2053: Get the car that can only be damaged by a direct hit from a cruise missile.

6. Shape-shifting

What if you could change the wheel base and the profile of your car to adjust to the changing conditions? Every so often, a concept car plants that awesome dream in our minds. Go-go-Gadget sports car!

7. Drool-worthy Good Looks

The Mazda Furai is based on a Le Mans entry by the company in years past. Why exactly do most people drive around in uninterestingly designed cars and then go to auto shows where every design is a work of mobile art? If you’re not going to drive something awesome, you might as well ride a bicycle or something.

Driving Home the Point

Concept cars are fantasies we taunt ourselves with in the safety of an auto show; but you don’t drive to work or to the grocery store in a Furai, and only KITT was indestructible — KITT was just make-believe. While 2053 is a good ways off, many of the features we love in our concept cars will probably never be real — and that’s okay.

Buy This Car If: You want luxury and reliability at a reasonable price point

There are things in life that require a bit of experience, or maturity, to appreciate. Caviar is a good example, as is a fine single malt scotch. It isn’t that you can’t develop a liking for either at a younger age, it’s just that you don’t necessarily appreciate them as much as someone who’s been around the block a time or two. Read More…

The best commercials, regardless of the product, fill you with passion and make you want to run, not walk, to buy whatever it is the company is selling. I think this commercial is for the Fiat 500 Abarth, and I think there may even be a car in it somewhere, but I’ve watched it a few dozen times and I’m still not sure. Regardless, I’d still call it the greatest car commercial ever filmed. Read More…

Costco is a great place to shop for stuff like food and wine, and the warehouse club occasionally has good deals on stuff of interest to gear heads. You can’t beat their prices for bulk shop towels and microfiber cloths, and they generally have decent pricing on Mobil 1 motor oil. I bought a “disposable” hydraulic jack there about 20 years ago, and it’s still going strong (even if it does weigh more than the center of the earth). Read More…

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